Get ready to impress everyone with this show-stopping cinnamon star bread recipe! This beautiful pull-apart sweet bread is a true masterpiece that tastes as incredible as it looks. Perfect for holidays, special brunches, or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe guides you through easy-to-follow steps. You’ll be baking a gorgeous, edible star in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Star Bread
- Stunning Visual Appeal: Its intricate star shape makes it a truly impressive centerpiece.
- Warm, Comforting Flavor: Each bite offers sweet, aromatic cinnamon swirls.
- Soft, Fluffy Texture: The dough yields an incredibly tender and rich bread.
- Engaging Shaping Process: It’s surprisingly fun and rewarding to create the star design.
- Perfect for Sharing: This pull-apart bread is ideal for gatherings and family enjoyment.
Ingredients
This incredible cinnamon star bread recipe relies on a few simple ingredients to create its signature soft texture and sweet, aromatic flavor. You will need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup (46g) potato flour or 1/2 cup (46g) dried potato flakes (instant mashed potatoes)
- 1/4 cup (28g) King Arthur Baker’s Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
- 3/4 cup plus 2 to 4 tablespoons (198g to 227g) lukewarm water, enough to make a soft, smooth dough
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (6g) table salt
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1/2 cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon or 2 teaspoons Vietnamese cinnamon
Notes & Substitutions
You can substitute potato flour with dried potato flakes (instant mashed potatoes); if using flakes, skip the sifting step with the dry ingredients. Experiment with different cinnamon types like Vietnamese for a bolder flavor. Ensure your water is lukewarm (around 105-115°F / 40-46°C) for optimal yeast activation. According to baking science resources, yeast thrives in specific temperature ranges to ensure proper rising and dough development. Use room temperature butter for easier incorporation into the dough, leading to a smoother, more consistent texture.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth baking process. Here’s what you will need for this star bread:
- Large mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but highly recommended for kneading)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- 2 1/2″ to 3″ round cutter (or a glass/jar for tracing)
- Sharp knife or bench knife
- Digital thermometer (for checking internal bread temperature)
Instructions
Creating this beautiful cinnamon star bread recipe is a delightful process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly shaped and delicious result.
1. Prepare the Dough
First, accurately weigh your flour or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Next, sift the flour, potato flour, and dry milk through a strainer to prevent lumps. If using instant mashed potatoes instead of potato flour, you can skip this sifting step. The addition of potato flour is known to improve the moisture and shelf life of baked goods in bread. Combine all dough ingredients in a bowl or stand mixer. Mix and knead until you achieve a soft, smooth dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 60 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in bulk.
2. Shape the Star Bread
Once risen, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, cover them, and allow them to rest for 15 minutes. On a lightly greased or floured work surface, roll one dough ball into a 10-inch circle. Carefully place this circle onto a piece of parchment paper on your baking sheet. Brush a thin layer of beaten egg over the dough, then evenly sprinkle it with one-third of the cinnamon sugar mixture, leaving about a quarter-inch bare around the perimeter. Roll out a second dough circle to the same size and carefully place it on top of the first, aligning the edges. Repeat the layering process: egg wash, cinnamon sugar, then the third dough circle. Finally, roll out the fourth and last dough circle, placing it on top, leaving this top layer bare. This creates your stacked foundation for the beautiful cinnamon star bread recipe.
3. Create the Star Design
Place a 2 1/2 to 3-inch round cutter in the exact center of your stacked dough circles; this acts as your guide. Using a bench knife or a sharp knife, cut the large circle into 16 equal strips, starting from the edge of the center cutter and extending outwards to the edge of the dough, cutting through all the layers. Now, with two hands, pick up two adjacent strips. Twist them away from each other twice, ensuring the cinnamon-sugar side faces up again. Repeat this twisting motion with all the remaining strips of dough, creating eight pairs of twisted strips. Finally, pinch the ends of each pair of twisted strips together to form a distinct star-like shape with eight beautiful points. Gently remove the center cutter.
4. Second Rise & Bake
Carefully transfer the shaped dough, still on its parchment paper, to a baking sheet. Loosely cover the star bread and let it undergo its second rise until it appears noticeably puffy, which typically takes about 45 minutes. While your star bread is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the second rise is complete, gently brush the entire star with a thin coat of the remaining beaten egg wash. Bake the star bread for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it achieves a lovely golden-brown color with inviting dark brown cinnamon streaks. For assurance, the center of the bread should register 200°F (93°C) on a digital thermometer.
5. Finish and Serve
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven. Allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before attempting to move it. This brief cooling period helps the bread set. Before serving, dust the cooled bread generously with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve your delightful cinnamon star bread recipe warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for tearing apart and enjoying!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect star bread is simple with a few helpful hints. Proper kneading is crucial for developing the gluten, resulting in a soft and airy texture. Always ensure accurate dough rising times; under-proofing leads to dense bread, while over-proofing can cause it to collapse. When applying the cinnamon sugar, strive for even distribution across the layers to ensure every bite is flavorful. For neat twisting and shaping, use gentle, firm movements and practice makes perfect. To prevent dry bread, avoid over-baking; use a digital thermometer to confirm doneness. Remember to adjust baking time for your specific oven, as temperatures can vary.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This impressive star bread is best served warm alongside a fresh cup of coffee or tea. It makes an ideal centerpiece for holiday breakfasts, festive brunches, or any special occasion. Store any leftover bread, well wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container, at room temperature for several days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf. To reheat for best results, place it on a baking sheet, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. For delightful variations, consider substituting the cinnamon filling with chocolate-hazelnut spread or a fruit jam. You could also finish your star bread with a simple cream cheese glaze instead of confectioners’ sugar.
Nutrition Information
This cinnamon star bread recipe offers a delicious treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8th loaf) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation methods. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Cinnamon Star Bread ahead?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the bread the night before. After shaping, cover it tightly and refrigerate; let it come to room temperature and rise for 1-2 hours before baking.
- What if my dough isn’t rising?
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water temperature is correct (lukewarm, not too hot or cold). A warm spot in your kitchen can also help with rising.
- Can I use different spices?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cardamom, nutmeg, or even a pumpkin pie spice blend for unique flavor profiles in your star bread.
- How do I get sharp star points?
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and twist the strips firmly. Pinch the ends of the twisted pairs together securely to define the points.
- Is potato flour essential?
- Potato flour contributes to the bread’s incredibly soft and moist texture, but you can substitute it with instant mashed potato flakes if needed.
Conclusion
This cinnamon star bread recipe offers a truly rewarding baking experience, culminating in a visually stunning and incredibly delicious treat. Its festive appeal, combined with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon and a wonderfully soft texture, makes it an instant favorite for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this impressive bake! Share your creations and feedback with us; we love seeing your beautiful star bread masterpieces come to life.
